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While small green lentils have hovered around the 15- to 17-cent range, large green lentils have seen a boost from their 2018 price of 17 cents/lb. The current price is around 19 cents/lb., and Zaidi expects it to go higher.

In years past, when prices were lower than average, acreage for lentils remained relatively steady. As prices climb, Zaidi predicts the crop will become more attractive.

“Now that prices have risen, they certainly won’t decrease acreage,” he said.

Zaidi noted India, one of the world’s largest importers, hasn’t bought lentils in some time.

“India should be ready to come to market for lentils in the later part of the year, in August or September,” he predicted.